If only Ralph Kiner didn't suffer back problems, or if he had the benefit of today's medical experts, we would be discussing Kiner in the same breath as fellow sluggers Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron. Despite his early retirement at age 32 following the 1955 season, Kiner's 10-year career saw him rack up some of the most impressive power numbers in the history of the game. In his decade-long tenure in the majors (1946-55), Kiner clouted 369 home runs, and led the National League in longballs in each of his first seven seasons. "Kiner can wipe out your lead in one swing," remarked pitching great Warren Spahn.
Due to the lack of baseball card production during and immediately following World War II, Kiner's first appearance on cardboard didn't come until his third season in the bigs. That year, there were two opportunities to score a rookie card of the Pittsburgh Pirates superstar: in packs of 1948 Bowman and 1948 Leaf. The Leaf card, however, is the only of the two printed in color. Offered here is a PSA 8 NM-MT example of Kiner's Leaf #91 RC, a true-to-grade copy with tremendous eye appeal and—as advertised—brilliant color. Remarkably clean with four sharp corners, other than obverse centering that mildly favors the left, it is as nice a specimen as the hobby has to offer. Only five examples have ever scored higher grades with PSA. This vintage Kiner classic isn't merely a home run, it is a grand slam.